Working Title: Air Compliance and Enforcement Inspector
Job Class: Environmental Specialist 1 or 2
Agency: Pollution Control Agency
Job ID : 90490
Location : Various*
Telework Eligible : Yes
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 11/26/2025
Closing Date : 12/09/2025
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Pollution Control Agency / Pollution Control-MAPE
Division/Unit : Industrial Division / Air Compliance Unit 3
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Yes - Up to 25% of the time
Environmental Specialist 1 Salary Range: $25.67 - $37.26 / hourly; $53,598 - $77,798 / annually
Environmental Specialist 2 Salary Range: $28.26 - $41.43 / hourly; $59,006 - $86,505 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
FLSA Status : Nonexempt
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Yes
*This position may be located at one of the MPCA office locations: St. Paul or Rochester
The work you'll do is more than just a job.
At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.
This position is located in the Industrial Division at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). This position will conduct permitted air pollutant emission facility inspections, respond to complaints, and conduct appropriate follow-up enforcement action when violations are identified within Environmental Justice Areas. The incumbent analyzes compliance data collected by numerous methods for determination of compliance, and conducts appropriate follow-up with the regulated parties, including enforcement when needed within Environmental Justice Areas. This position will apply knowledge of state and federal rules and programs related to air quality rules, permits, and policy requirements, and lead and provide support for compliance and enforcement activities. The incumbent conducts investigations and evaluations relating to source air quality compliance, @types and emissions rates of pollutants, and emission control technology, and related emission limits, standards, testing methods and operating requirements found in state and federal rules within Environmental Justice Areas.
Minimum Qualifications
Environmental Specialist 1
Two years of environmental protection experience. OR
A Bachelor's degree in environmental protection or related science field. (Students in their final semester of college should apply for the position and can start after their graduation date.)
Environmental Specialist 2
Three years of environmental protection experience OR
A Bachelor's degree in environmental protection or related science field AND one year of professional environmental protection experience.
All Candidates
Ability to manage multiple projects.
Ability to gain understanding of the environmental regulatory process and state and federal rules.
Basic computer skills with proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Good communication and human relations skills to interact effectively with stakeholders and team members.
Valid Class D Driver's License (See additional requirements).
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency will not sponsor applicants for work visas including F-1 STEM OPT extensions. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Individuals must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge of state and federal regulatory framework and their applicability to air emission facilities.
Previous compliance and enforcement or related experience in a regulatory compliance position.
Understand industry processes and rules/regulations.
Effective in communicating to individuals or in large group settings.
Students who have participated in one of the State or Agency's student leadership pipeline programs such as Right Track, Step Up, Urban Scholar, Star of the North or Increasing Diversity in Environmental Careers are encouraged to apply.
Physical Requirements
The position may be requested to conduct site visits anywhere in the state and stay overnight at times. Some infrequent lifting of sampling equipment and working out in the field in adverse weather conditions. Ability to conduct inspections that involve climbing and/or stepping over obstacles.
Additional Requirements
A driver's license is an essential function of this position. This requires possession of an unrestricted Class D Driver's License. The job offer is contingent on confirmation of a valid driver's license AND a satisfactory driver's license record check. Requires a Class D driver's license: a single unit vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of less than 26,000 pounds. This is a basic driver's license. Operators may also tow vehicles/trailers as long as the gross combination does not exceed 26,000 pounds.
It is the policy of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:
Conflict of Interest Review
Criminal History Check
Education Verification
Employment Reference / Records Check
License / Certification Verification where applicable
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.
Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.